Controller (15-month Mat Leave)

About Northern 

Headquartered in London, Ontario, Canada, Northern is an integrated digital solutions agency that partners with leading Commercial and Public Service organizations to navigate digital change. We bring together strategy, experience design, data, marketing, and technology to create connected digital experiences that help our clients engage their audiences, accelerate growth, and achieve meaningful business outcomes.

Since our founding in 2015, Northern has grown into a team of 150+ digital experts, receiving multiple recognitions in employee engagement from Great Place to Work® Canada, including Best Workplaces™ for Inclusion, Women, Mental Health, Hybrid Work, and more.

The Opportunity - Controller (15-month maternity leave coverage)

We are seeking a Controller to lead all accounting operations as a key strategic partner to the VP of Finance & Operations. This is a dynamic "Player Coach" role that balances direct contributions to monthly accounting tasks alongside leading and mentoring a high-performing payroll and accounting team. You will own full-cycle accounting, consolidated financial reporting, audit and tax compliance, cash and treasury management, debt schedules, internal controls, and M&A financial integration.

Note: Target start date Late Oct - Early November. This position is a 15-month contract providing 1-year maternity leave coverage, complete with structured overlap for seamless onboarding, training, and offboarding.

Our Connected Workplace Program offers the flexibility of remote, hybrid, or in-office work arrangements. Preference will be given to candidates within driving distance of our Head Office in London, ON for periodic in-person collaboration.

Why You’ll Love Working at Northern

As a Fixed-term Controller at Northern, you will enjoy a supportive environment with comprehensive perks, clear strategic impact, and flexibility:

• Strategic Leadership Impact: Partner directly with executive leadership to shape financial strategy, optimize close processes, and drive operational excellence.
• Comprehensive Health & Wellness Benefits: Robust benefits package including a Health Spending Account ($500), EAP, and Fitness Reimbursement ($500).
• Team & Culture Perks: Vet Care Program, Referral Bonuses, delicious team meals, and company social events.
• Flexible & Modern Workplace: Work where you work best, Remote-friendly, or in office, free onsite parking in London, ON, and championing modern financial tech and AI workflows.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Accounting & Close Operations: Own the full month-end, quarter-end, and annual close cycles to deliver timely, accurate consolidated financial statements, reconciliations, and variance analyses.
• Financial Reporting & Analysis: Prepare consolidated, three-statement financial model and provide ad hoc FP&A support to inform executive decision-making.
• Systems: Oversee financial system administration (Quickbooks), integration with homegrown ERP (Enspire), and credit card programs.
• Tax & Audit: Lead annual audits, acting as the primary contact for external audit team, assist with the preparation of tax schedules and annual filings, manage SR&ED claims, and ensure full Canadian and U.S. state tax & regulatory compliance.
• Treasury & Cash Management: Oversee rolling 13-week cash forecasts, AP/AR process optimization (maintaining AR aging), payroll coordination, and debt schedules and covenant compliance.
• Team Leadership & Strategic Projects: Manage, mentor, and foster growth for the existing payroll and accounting team while coordinating post-close financial integration for acquired entities.

Working Conditions

• Hours & Work Environment: Standard office hours are Monday–Friday, 9:00 am–5:00 pm ET, with periodic overtime needed during month-end and year-end close cycles. May consider flexible hours that differ from standard 9-5.
• The role involves computer-focused analytical work (70%) and collaborative interaction with leadership, staff, and external auditors (30%). 
• Occasional travel may be required for audits or strategic meetings.

What You’ll Bring:

• Leadership Experience: 7+ years of total accounting/finance experience with at least 3–5 years in a Controller or senior accounting management role leading teams while executing hands-on technical accounting work.
• Technical Mastery: Deep knowledge of GAAP compliance, internal controls (COSO framework), full close processes, financial reporting platforms, advanced Excel skills, and cash flow/treasury management.
• Tax & Audit Competency: Proven success managing external audits, Canadian HST/GST, and U.S. state tax compliance with external advisors.
• Nice to Haves: CPA designation (CA, CMA, or equivalent), experience with Quickbooks or similar accounting software, background in M&A post-close accounting, and SR&ED claims management experience.

What Success Looks Like in 15 Months:

• Consistently execute efficient month-end close processes within 6 business days.
• Deliver clean annual audits with minimal findings and remediate any legacy internal control weaknesses.
• Timely and accurate filing of tax returns.
• Maintain an empowered, well-supported accounting team with established operational workflows during coverage.
• Establish sustainable solutions for cross-border (U.S./Canada) tax exposures.
• Optimize working capital health, keeping AR aging under 8% while providing reliable cash flow forecasts.

Compensation This role has a target salary range of $120,000 CAD - $150,000 CAD. Placement within this range is based on relevant skills, directly applicable experience, and depth of expertise. Candidates with solid experience that meets most, but not all, role requirements typically fall near the mid-point of the range. In addition to base salary, Northern offers a comprehensive total rewards package, including health & dental benefits, RRSP matching, profit sharing, and other perks.

Equity and Diversity Northern welcomes applications from all qualified individuals and is dedicated to fostering a culture of inclusivity, employment equity, and diversity in the workplace. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply, including but not limited to members of visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, individuals with diverse abilities, and those of all gender identities and expressions.

We are also committed to ensuring an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Accommodations are available at every stage of the hiring process. If you require support or adjustments to participate fully, please let us know when you apply, and we will work with you to meet your needs.

AI Use & Interview Transparency Northern uses AI tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as drafting interview questions and organizing candidate information. We may also record and transcribe interviews to ensure accuracy and consistency in our evaluations. Rest assured, you will be speaking with real live human beings!

If you prefer not to be recorded or require an accommodation, please let us know in advance. This will not affect your candidacy. All interview information is used solely for recruitment purposes and managed in accordance with Ontario privacy requirements.